Level 1 Polysomnogram (PSG) :: North Vancouver Sleep Disorders Clinic and Laboratory

Level 1 Polysomnogram (PSG)

Requires a night in the sleep lab to monitor numerous aspects of sleep. This is the gold standard test to diagnose sleep disorders. The study evaluates sleep stages, leg movements and provides a comprehensive evaluation of all types of sleep apnea. NO needles are used to collect any of these measures. Straps, tape or a water-based paste hold the various devices in place.

The signals recorded include:

Brain waves (EEG) - electrodes on the scalp that collect electrical activity on the scalp which allows us to detect brain activity. Currently EEG are considered to be the gold standard for measuring the stages of sleep.
Heart rate (EKG/ECG) - electrode patches on the chest that monitor your hearts electrical activity.
Eye movement (EOG) - an electrode next to each eye. It is used to o identify the waking eye movements, slow rolling eye movements of drowsiness into stage N1, and the fast eye movements of stage REM.
Muscle activity (EMG) - electrodes on the muscles of the chin. This information is important for scoring sleep stage, especially REM sleep, as well as scoring electrographic arousals occurring in REM sleep.
Leg movements (EMG) - two electrodes on the lower part of each leg, records limb movements during sleep.
Airflow (nasal and oral) - sensor that go gently in the nostrils and front of the mouth.
Breathing movements - belts around the chest and abdomen that record the effort of breathing.
Oxygen level - a probe wrapped around a finger.
Snoring microphone.
Body Position: determines what position you are sleeping in and how long.